Jameis Winston’s attorney David Cromwell agrees with the critics when it comes to the biggest concern surrounding Winston’s NFL prospects.
While speaking at Villanova University School of Law on Friday morning, Cromwell admitted that Winston still has some growing up to do before he becomes a professional athlete.
“He’s ready to be an NFL player on the field,” he said, per Buzzfeed’s Joel Anderson. “But he’s not ready to be an NFL player off the field. This league will chew you up, spit you out and keep going.”
Cromwell later specified that he was not implying Winston is not ready for the NFL.
“We have to assist him in growing and developing as a man,” Cromwell said after realizing his comments were going viral. “And it’s not going to be easy. I don’t see why it’s controversial that a 20-year-old doesn’t have the life experience to navigate the treacherous waters of being a professional athlete without availing themselves of the resources available to them.
“The idea that standing alone, he’s ready to get into this shark-infested pool, it’s just crazy. I don’t understand why it’s news. I don’t think (Winston) is unique. I don’t think anyone is ready. No one is ready for this world when they come into it.”
It’s obvious that Cromwell wasn’t pow-wowing on Winston, as he also used the discussion as a forum to bash the woman who accused the former Florida State star of rape. But if Winston’s own lawyer is willing to express concerns publicly, you can understand why this NFL team might be having second thoughts.
